Here in sunny San Diego, we have been able to forget the bug spray, but NEVER leave home without sunscreen! We love the vitamin D but also need to be safe while enjoying the sun.
In order to improve the safety of sunscreens and as part of their efforts toward comprehensive OTC reform, the FDA put out a proposal in February 2019 that only TWO sunscreen ingredients are GRASE (generally regarded as safe and effective): zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Other ingredients common in popular sunscreens, even those that are PABA-free, are not backed by enough data to state that they are GRASE. These ingredients include oxybenzone, which can cause allergic reactions but has also been shown to be a weak estrogen and a potent anti-androgen! The sunscreens we had been using and loved have oxybenzone, so we are now evaluating new options.
Here are some examples of sunscreens with only GRASE active ingredients:
Lotion: Coppertone pure and Simple Lotion SPF 50, Think Sport/Think Baby SPF 50
As the FDA document notes, remember to prevent skin cancer additionally by covering up including sunglasses and a hat.
Have a wonderful day!
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